The Beekmans Go To Washington

by Josh and Brent

Recently we were invited to Washington DC to speak to the USDA about diversity in farming and to accept recognition for our work. We were also invited to take part in this season’s opening of the USDA Farmers Market, held right on the agency grounds. It’s probably one of the coolest things that’s happened to us since we bought Beekman 1802 Farm. And of course we made of point of sharing that honor with Farmer John. And the goats.

We were amazed by the sheer size and breadth of the USDA. It’s the third largest federal agency, after Department of Defense and Homeland Security. And even though most people think of them as simply the part of the government that works with American farmers, the agency also includes the U.S. Forestry Service, food safety, rural development, research, overseas agricultural programs and a heckuva lot more.

Here are some photos of the trip…

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Do we look official enough?

The USDA building is the only Federal Agency that has their main building right on the Washington Mall

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who was previously the Governor of Iowa.

We like a podium with an official seal.

Secretary Vilsack actually almost bought a house in Sharon Springs years ago when he was in law school. He couldn’t believe all of the recent changes which we described to him. Now we need to get him to come to the Harvest Festival….

Our award.

The Secretary’s office.

Betcha didn’t know that Isaac Newton was the first Commissioner of Agriculture. (Neither did we.)

A plaque in the offices of the USDA celebrating the American Farmer.

Another plaque honoring the Forest Service’s Smokey the Bear.

Yep. We got to meet Smokey. And Woodsey. Jealous, much?

Washington Redskins player Reed Doughty was on hand to help open the USDA Farmer’s Market. He’s active in the National Dairy Council’s “Fuel Up to Play 60” initiative which encourages kids to eat healthy, and exercise for one hour a day.

One of the raised bed gardens right on the grounds of the USDA.

Another raised bed garden. They have hoops like ours!

Another bed.

We set up a table at the Farmers Market. There were as many tourists visiting as USDA employees and DC citizens.

Beautiful.

It was the first day of the market for 2013, so all the farmers put on their best show.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! That’s a big deal!! You have accomplished so much in just a few years! I am bursting with pride for you both, and wish you continued sucess. The hard work and sacrifices were all worth it! If you had given up, you would not have the wonderful life you have now. So glad you hung in there, and I really admire the fact that you have helped make so many others sucessful, too. You paid it forward……and backward, sideways, up, and down! I admire you guys more than there are words.

You are very special men. Your USDA award was well deserved. I, too wonder why it had be LBGT notated? You guys are special in everything you do as farmers, merchants, and cheerleaders for Sharon Springs. Bravo Beekman Boys!!

Congratulations!!!!! The asparagus looks wonderful, I planted some this year I’ll have to wait a few years before I get to taste any, hope mine looks as good. I agree you should be farmers of the year.

Congrats on the award – I have followed your show for several years and am amazing at the wonderful hearts and passion you both have for your home, your town/community, and farmers. I hate that they felt the need to include your sexual orientation on your award. What you are doing for local farmers is so important and has nothing to do with anything else. I know however you were gracious recipients and used the platform to educate people and be positive role models in all your varied roles.